Historic Rooftop Playground

The reinstatement of a historic rooftop playground at a Dundee primary school is among a number of improvements proposed to buildings in the children and families service estate.

£100,000 is planned for the enhancement works at St Mary’s Primary, as part of nearly £1 million of investment into the city’s Victorian and Edwardian primary structures over the next two years.

Improvements for children’s houses at Drummond House and Fairbairn Street for looked after children are also being planned.

Details about properties across the city are contained in a review of the service estate, which will be considered by the city council’s children and families service committee on Monday December 10.

Committee convener Councillor Stewart Hunter said: “I am pleased that this report highlights a service estate that is in very good shape following years of significant investment.

“This year alone has seen the opening of the new Baldragon Academy and the campus buildings in the North East of the city and Coldside.

“But we are not complacent about the condition of any of our buildings. There are a number of Victorian and Edwardian school across the city and we are determined to maintain these historic buildings for the future.

“The revival of the rooftop playground at St Mary’s is an excellent example of creative thinking in this respect.

“It is warmly remembered by people who attended the primary in the past, and it will help solve space issues around play facilities at the primary.”

Specific projects are detailed at Ancrum Primary, as well as a Craigiebarns to bring the rating of the buildings up a grade.

The committee will be told that a report will be considered soon over the impact that the recent fire at Braeview Academy will have on future plans for the building.